Wednesday, December 31, 2008

3 of the staff here at Bobbi Brinkman Photography had a fabulous evening out on the town, celebrating a great 2008 and looking forward to the best that 2009 will bring. Bobbi, Tina and Nell (plus Mike-- Nell's boyfriend) went to the Scottrade Center last night to watch the Blues battle New Jersey. Hockey of course, top shelf all the way. The game was loads of fun (even though the Blues lost). My big save of the evening was catching the full beer from the guy in front of me from going over--- tragedy averted. I must confess to hoping for a bit of a brawl on the ice and other than a lot of shoving and growling, no gloves hit the ice. C'mon............. it's hockey!!! Happily for the state of sports in St. Louis, the crowd was large and lively, even the Puck Bunnies were out in full force! (The one sitting next to Tina working on her many beers, texting constantly and waving like a crazy person towards the camera for 80% of the game was not hurt there in her natural habitat although it was dicey for awhile.)

After the game we headed over to Friday's and enjoyed a late happy hour and toasted YOU, the best clients in the world!

So thank you for a fantastic 2008----- we appreciate you very much and look forward to working with you even more in 2009!

It's New Years Eve, celebrate wisely, be safe, stay warm and have a GREAT time!

Monday, December 22, 2008

We are all still crazy busy, every year it seems that the madness extends closer and closer to December 25th! But cookies were made, and shared------ (yum Spritz!) and Nell is a free woman now that school is out for the holidays.

And absolutely everyone seems to be waiting for the Big Day................. with wagging tails! :)

Friday, December 19, 2008

Another reason for happiness, to know that in this holiday season things are quite right about us..... a growing family with a beautiful baby. Tim and Sarah's gorgeous daughter, so waited for by her extended family and so much apprecited and adored. We are, quite naturally, humbled and honored to be able to capture images from this exciting time that will last for generations. Welcome Becky, what a lucky girl you are!

The "first child" in the family got all dressed up for the holiday family portrait--- can you say ADORABLE! That is the fabulous Miss Meatball, can you stand it? I have no doubt that it makes you smile.

Now keep that smile on your face, after all we are each others hope and light! Count your blessings and pass one on.

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Gifts from clients during the holidays are always so sweet, so unexpected, so wonderfully kind and thoughtful and over the top!!

The photo above shows the trend this year....................................a small selection of the goodies! Does this mean that we are all very SWEET? Or just chocolate crazy? The fact that someone ate the other chocolates and they didn't make the photo should tell you something!

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

So here's the deal............ life is wild. I don't really know why this always surprises me, it happens every year at this time as I'm sure it does at your house! Crazy Soup!

Everyone here at BBP is decorating, gift buying, wrapping, and boxing and shipping and eating. There is the eating of course. I think it might be what keeps us all sane during the holidays!

How we love to touch base with clients this time of year, and to meet new family members? The best, hands down!

Tovah and Josh (who also won the Halloween Costume Contest) allowed us the honor of meeting their 6 month old, Lillian--- and creating the first family portrait.

That is Miss Lillian above, with her Mom. I love this photo, it sort of makes me think of all the times my own kids got a little misty eyed when it was time for holiday portraits, we won't even talk about the screamers with Santa! :)

Isn't she beautiful? And such a lovely and warm little spirit she has!

Here in St. Louis it is COLD (okay, freezing) and icy to boot. Stay warm, be safe and enjoy the lead up to the holidays---- wherever you are!

Friday, December 12, 2008

With great sadness we say farewell to longtime client and friend Natalie who passed away this week. Natalie lost a very hard fought battle to breast cancer and left us all too young. She leaves behind 3 wonderful children who Bobbi was privileged to have photographed from their births. Everyone at BBP adored Natalie and the kids as did everyone who knew her, she was a wonderful, giving woman.

Please say a prayer and send warm thoughts to her family and friends who will miss her very, very deeply.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

December 11---- which of course means that (and I don't say this to instill panic!!) we are getting pretty darn close to the Big Day, and most creative sorts are madly at work. Or not, your choice entirely of course! We have been working like crazy around BBP to finish holiday orders, create custom holiday cards and pack and ship. No elves have yet appeared although we have had some lovely offers! (Thanks Julie!)

I thought maybe a breath, a small moment to relax was called for and perhaps a nice seasonal toddy was a great idea. I left nothing to chance and tested a few recipes just for the occasion, on the hunt for a really great peppermint martini. When it comes to martinis, normally my choice is just a nice extra dirty vodkatini, but the holidays do call for something a bit more decadent. After several tumbles through the shaker I came up with this recipe, quite delicious, a Chocolate Peppermint Martini! :) Do watch it though, it packs a bit of a reindeer kick! Not a drop of filler, or mixer, so do be careful!

Chocolate Peppermint Martini

2 oz. good quality vodka

1 oz. creme de cacao

1 oz. and a titch chocolate cream liqueur (I have a knock off around the house but Godiva is always divine)

1 oz. peppermint Schnapps

Fill a cocktail shaker with crushed ice and shake. Strain into pretty martini glasses. You could rim with crushed peppermint candies or garnish with a peppermint patty if you really wanted to gild the lily!

Here's hoping that all your ducks are in a row................ or at least not floundering on a frozen pond!

Friday, December 05, 2008

I did not make the annual tree lighting last week at Kiener Plaza. I did see it on television and it looked quite lovely.

We recently met Colleen and Scott at Kiener Plaza for their last engagement session and had a great time. Okay, it was super cold but it is December after all! They are getting married next month and we're so anxious for the big day!

Kiener Plaza has had a big boost in it's holiday presence since last year, quite a few of the steps have been taken over by lighting and greenery. I can see that many city employees have been hard at work!

The star on the tree is beginning to list a bit to the left, other than that, catch the lights at Kiener as well as the improved holiday elements on the surrounding streets in the medians------ very pretty indeed!

Another holiday tradition we love is the annual tree lighting in Lafayette Square. That will be held tonight at 6, in the square in front of SqWires and should be a great time to see lots of residents and shop owners as well as some goodies not to mention Santa arriving at 6:30! Bobbi will be covering the event so there will be some great photos to share soon.

Wednesday, December 03, 2008

Where are the elves when you need them anyway? When my daughter was a little girl and sleeping around this time of year I'd put a bit of butter on my fingertips and go outside to her window and place "elf prints" on the glass. She was always delighted to find that Santa's elves had been peering in at her and of course reporting her behavior back to the fat man himself. I will note that the whole naughty or nice thing had generally successful results! (I wonder if it would work the same magic now???)

Now I need the elves in their real life forms to swoop down and help around the BBP Studio! New sessions, holiday cards, albums and the like are stacked pretty high on the desks around here and a little elfly intervention would be a good thing! Unfortunately, they are making themselves rather scarce and I can assure you that I've been nice as can be!

All of the holiday cards here at BBP are custom, designed to fit your personality and color preferences, and non elf created. Two recent versions, the red and green above...........

and the blue, white and rose. I don't know which one the client will choose and I love them both!

There is still time for YOUR holiday card so don't delay!

And if there are any elves out there reading this post, send your resume's in post haste, we're hiring, all the hot chocolate you can drink and maybe a martini on Friday evenings in the Square!

Monday, December 01, 2008

It is always such a delight when one of our brides and grooms are expecting their first babies---- I think we're as giddy as the family!

The very sweet Ashley and wonderful Andrew are going to be a mama and papa! They're already quite busy with a new house to work on, and their careers, won't they be surprised to find out that life will never slow down! Well, at least for 18 years or so (give or take 10)!

Congratulations to them both------ our warmest wishes for a happy, healthy pregnancy! Of course, we can't wait to meet the baby when he or she arrives!

***

I hope that everyone else had a wonderful Thanksgiving----- shopping------ weekend off----- whatever makes your heart sing! It seems like everyone is trying to get back into the swing of things and ready for the holidays that arrive in a very short while.

Snow fell in St. Louis yesterday and today, it was a bit of a shock to see it falling so early in the year, at least judging by the past few years. Let's hope this isn't setting a trend for the white stuff, please!

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Thanksgiving Day USA...................... probably my favorite holiday! While the turkey bakes (after finally reaching the thawed state that allows such) and family gathers, please indulge me as I spend a small amount of time to list the things I'm thankful for........... a short list, not nearly complete.

Most of all, of course, everyone at BBP is thankful for YOU!

For those of you who might be sharing a beer or two with loving family, enjoying pets, laughter and blessings and joy and all the rest of it------ you might want to get started on THIS. I'm just sayin'.

Wishing you a very Happy Thanksgivingfrom the staff ofBobbi Brinkman Photography

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

I love gift baskets at the holidays, don't you? It's always fun to see the offerings out there and we found some that were really exceptional! From Stephanie at So Chic Baskets, right here in St. Louis! Stephanie is one of our clients, but I have to say that even if she weren't her lovely gift basket offerings would make the short list!

Stephanie is not only a very nice person but does great baskets---- the name So Chic is quite fitting.

Is that just the cutest thing???????? One of her many----------

'tis the season coming up, buy local! We will be on the hunt in the next couple of weeks to scout out great seasonal gifts for your list!

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Location indeed------ unless you live in Springfield MO or attend (or have attended) school there, you might not recognize it. Missouri State University, home of the Bears. Joe is looking at Jean in the photo like............. well, you fill in the caption! :)

Joe is on staff there, Jean works in St. Louis so they are (for the moment anyway) sort of long distance-- although driveable!

Much fun was had by all! They are a great couple and we absolutely can't wait for the wedding in 2009!

We are hard at work in the studio and everyone seems to be madly preparing for Thanksgiving, it's almost impossible to believe that two short days from this posting the parades will be over and tummies will be filling. Where has the year gone?????

Thursday, November 20, 2008

It is the time of year when Americans turn their thoughts to being thankful, grateful, and preparing for the holiday season ahead.

Here at BBP we all have something extra to be thankful for----- a new addition to the BBP wedding family! Welcome Breanne and Patrick, we are so thrilled to have you! We heard from Breanne's Mom Debbie first and met both of the ladies shortly after, they are not only great people but lots of fun as well. We're looking forward to their wedding in 2009 at the fabulous venues of St. Xavier (gorgeous church on the SLU campus) and the Four Seasons.

Yes, another reason to be thankful. We DO have the best clients in the world and we know it! We're counting our blessings indeed!

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Again, in no particular order from the past flurry of photo shoots to include engagement photos and family portraits comes the annual portrait from the Marsh family. They started out with BBP as wedding clients a bazillion (not really!) years ago. We count ourselves so fortunate to be able to see them at least once a year and keep in touch. When our clients have babies and expand families I think we are as excited as if it were our "real" family! Timmy was born a couple of years ago and you can see by the photo above that he is All Boy. Tall for his age with boundless energy and enthusiasm, we had such a great time with the family.

Monday, November 17, 2008

Are babies the absolute BEST or what????? You bet, and BBP babies are the cream on the top! Two of the most wonderful people (that would be Mom Sarah and Dad Tim) from one of our favorite families (the Leonard's) welcomed their first child last Friday. Little Missy Rebecca Leona joined the world and was met by a family that is ecstatic. You must understand that ecstatic is really a very mild term for these first time grandparents---- not of course that the grandp's on tbe other side are not thrilled to pieces but they have quite a few babies under their belts by now!

We have not met Rebecca yet but have only "seen" her a couple weeks before her birth. We will be blessed to photograph her very soon and can't wait. You can bet that more than a few snuggles will be involved!

Friday, November 14, 2008

More sessions we love? Once again, it's hard to choose because they are all wonderful! For no particular reason in no defined order comes Colleen and Scott------- love, love, love the series from their recent engagement session. While it can't be overlooked how Bobbi captures this couple in their session, bringing out their playful spirits and bubbly personalities, they both use a few rules that make their session really pop.

Colleen always gives a lot of thought to what she will wear:

Her sweater coordinates with the fall colors and her own personal coloring

Accessories are carefully chosen to coordinate

Her hair and makeup is always clean and simple----- it is "her"

Scott's clothing is chosen to complement Colleen with a good eye as well:

Their outfits coordinate without being too "Matchy-Matchy"

He looks trendy and classic at the same time (sometimes guys can be uncomfortable when they wear things that just are not 'them')

Orange and Blue (their most prominent colors) are opposites on the color wheel, and as such pretty much guaranteed to work together. Think of tried and true schemes such as red and green. When you choose using the color wheel, if you are unsure about putting together colors whether for apparel or design, it almost always works.

Both Colleen and Scott are wearing complimentary colors and their outfits are both 'grounded' in black giving them the appearance of being coordinated, grounded, soft and warm. Other neutrals such as white, cream, and brown can be used in the same way.

Most importantly is that while the outfits look completely great---- the most important factor is that they look totally comfortable and as if they just tossed these outfits together and walked out the door. They are also both wearing jeans, which further unify their look and keep them casual and 'real'. Even though that was not the case, you do want to achieve this practiced ease.

Now that I have picked on Colleen and Scott and used them as an excellent example of dressing for your session, I will add that they are the next couple to marry among BBP bride and grooms to be. We are very much looking forward to their special day------ no doubt it will be fun, beautiful, detailed, and reflecting of them as a couple.

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Fall means leaves, changing weather, brilliant colors, warmer clothes and dropping temperatures and tons (and tons) of both family portrait sessions and autumn engagement sessions here at BBP. It is always such a wonderful and appreciated time when we get to touch base with clients old and new and among many reasons to wait (with varying levels of patience) for wedding days to roll around.

It is impossible to choose which sessions to feature first, or in any sense of order. Because we had the opportunity to reflect on Veteran's Day on Tuesday, (and Remembrance Day in Canada) we'll start with Sara and Josh. When we first met Josh earlier in the year he had just returned back to America from his military service. We are of course grateful to Josh and to all of the servicemen and women who have worked so hard and given up so much on our behalf---- as well as to their families and loved ones.

Josh and Sara are a great couple------- and we are very much looking forward to their Big Day next year. While we wait we have the opportunity to capture their engagement period, to get to know them better and to share some time (and laughs) together.

They had a great time, after all what ARE leaves if not to play in like kids? Well there is the raking, but let's not talk about that.................

Sunday, November 09, 2008

Bobbi is quite simply a wonderful photographer, a woman who is passionate about capturing images with her camera for the enjoyment of those today and for future generations. She is also a well known and highly respected and sought out resource for those in the community who want to hear how she has carved out a remarkable career over almost 30 years. She does what she does because it is a life long passion, a fire that burns within her---- she can't imagine doing anything else.

The rest of the staff, those who photograph alongside are also passionate and equally driven. They do what they do for many of the same reasons.

Me? Why do I do what I do? The money one might say, but upon closer inspection it is much more. How often does a person get to work in a field that while full of usual irritants and pitfalls culminates in the privilege of spending one of the most important days in the life of a family? When I show up for "work", I am blessed to be able to share a day of extraordinary happiness and joy. Major woo hoo's in other words! :)

I spent some time really thinking about that yesterday at the wedding of Donna and Stan, and more as the evening was spent at their reception. You see, this wedding couple is not what many would call the "typical" bride and groom. Donna is around my age (which of course makes her young, vibrant and brimming with life) and Stan at slightly older, were married after they had spent a large portion of their lives married to others , with children. Life happens. With their children now grown, including Stan's daughter a new mother, this couple found each other in what they describe as a gift from God, they left loneliness and found joy in a new beginning. Donna's daughter Kate, an accomplished musician now living in St. Louis, composed the beautiful music that her mother Donna walked down the aisle to marry the love of her new life. The ceremony was purposeful, magical, full of love and life and the sparkle of promise. It was on all accounts lovely. Donna's son Matt resides in Alaska and gave his radiant Mom away. I know for a fact the number one question asked of him was "Do you know Sarah P*alin?" He did not, for the record.

The crowd was decidedly older, as you would expect, and in no case less exuberant. After the rice was thrown at the church and the celebrants took up their posts at the reception, the party began in earnest. The meal was delicious and enjoyed by all, the cake was cut and the first dances enjoyed. And then the group, many of whom were swing dancers, began to do what they do best, celebrate an incredible occasion in the company of those who party together well! They all had a wonderful time and we had a great time watching them. How I would love to dance like that (and most assuredly do NOT!)

As I often do when I attend a reception of a BBP bride and groom, I found a quiet corner and sat alone. I was SO amazed, honored, humbled and flat out incredulous that on no less than FIVE separate occasions approached by the lovely guests at the wedding and asked to join their table. They all told me that they didn't want me to sit alone, that their table was fun and lively and wonderfully eclectic. It made me smile.

While it is impossible to explain why I do what I do, yesterday's wedding is in large part the reason. I love to see people happy, to see joy and hope and all things bright and beautiful. Because many of our prior brides and grooms still read the blog, still see BBP professionally, and personally, and because we count them as friends-------- that is a true blessing, a profound joy. Heck----- many of "my" brides hold my knitting and smile with conspiratorial joy and share what is important to me! That bond is forged early and stays forever, to my eternal pleasure. Here at BBP, we watch families grow, we mourn when our friends lose family members, we count it all as part of lives well lived and are SO completely blessed to be part of it all.

Wow. It's a good gig, it's why I do what I do. So thanks------- and remind me on those rare occasions I'm tired, out of sorts or dealing with a situation that for the moment has spun out of control. Donna and Stan had been "Bobbi watchers" for a long time and were thrilled to have her capture their day--- as we were pleased to be there. At the end of the day Donna said that we "were much more than wedding photographers during the day". We gave our usual high level of service, did what we could along the way to include sewing Kate's strap back on and helping Donna's former mother-in-law to her waiting car as she traveled back home with her caregivers. At the end of it all, when the day was over, it was a great day. A wonderful wedding. A beautiful couple. We made a difference and counted it as joy. It is what we do.

Saturday, November 08, 2008

In the "winnah winnah pumpkin dinnah" category comes the winners of the Halloween Costume Contest 2008! We received quite a few MOST entertaining photos. What can we say, you people had a great time, and frankly, more than a few of you are naughty boys and girls!

The winning costumes above are Josh, Tovah and baby Lillian! They cracked me up as Napoleon, Pedro and Tina the llama. (I think............. I'm still giggling so I could be wrong!) They are the winners of the $25.00 Gift Certificate from Bobbi Brinkman Photography------ good deal! In their real lives as former wedding clients I can assure you that this was quite the transformation, they looked nothing like this on their Big Day (or at any time we have seen them since!) Tovah, you have taken the moustache off, right? Not that it isn't fetching or anything!!!

Today we have been blessed to celebrate the wedding of Donna and Stan................. we can't wait!!!

Friday, November 07, 2008

After a period of time face down in the sheets (ack) with a nasty case of the cold/flu bug I'm trying to get back into the groove. So far the groove escapes me!

I can't forget to tell you about the BBP Holiday Portrait Sessions. While I've been under the weather, Bobbi has been scheduling them left and right. The brief synopsis is that the theme this year is "Home for the Holidays" and we come to YOU and photograph your children or family in your home environment----- fabulous!

Wednesday, November 05, 2008

It would be almost impossible to imagine weather more perfect last weekend, a day more mild, trees with more brilliant fall foliage, or a bride and groom that were happier! Ashley and Nolan gathered guests and family from all over the world to share their joy, and joyful it was. Their special event was elegant, stylish, warm and beautiful==== we had a great time!

If you'd like to view a slide show highlighting part of their wedding day, please click HERE!

Monday, November 03, 2008

Saturday was the lovely wedding of Ashley and Nolan------ and we had a great time. I can't wait to show you some images so stay tuned for the slide show in a day or two.

BBP continues to be crazy busy as we shot about a zillion (which is only a small exaggeration) engagement sessions and family portraits yesterday on what was absolutely the most glorious of days. The leaves are finally starting to "give us the red"............and the park was nothing short of magnificent.

Lastly, here we are in Daylight Savings Time----- and we do all hate that it gets dark so early. Blech, and bummer! I can report with much delight that I remembered to turn my clock back Saturday night! While I didn't really take advantage of that extra hour of sleep I was looking forward to, I was on time for all good things yesterday!

Have the very best of Monday's------- enjoy this near balmy November weather and make sure that voting is a priority tomorrow~

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

It seems as if all previous promises to myself to be blogging with my usual timelines have left me in the lurch! I have lied to myself and certainly not fulfilled this particular duty very well lately! My apologies!

We've had the honor and distinct privilege to do some commercial work for Pacific Care Center and that along with the rest of the studio load has taken up a fair bit of time here lately. I can tell you this for sure, should I ever need to find a place to live in my golden years, I'd be Pacific MO bound for sure. This facility is so full of love, family, compassion and caring how could we not be impressed. Laine can take care of me there any old day. Just not too soon I hope---- can I just pop in to visit the residents and maybe enjoy a delicious meal?

Long overdue is the slideshow for Erin and Ross's wedding. It was a lovely event with the reception held in a smashing tent at the Zoo. While the two newlyweds finish up their honeymoon in Hawaii, we will show off a tiny bit of their once in a lifetime day HERE!! We had the opportunity to shoot the wedding with Lisa and Will from Studio M Photographic, and not only had a great time, but enjoyed the creative company of such excellent photographers!

Saturday, October 25, 2008

It is National Make a Difference Day so get out there and make one. It's not hard, there are about a zillion different things you can do to get involved and contribute. While it may sound contrite, it is nonetheless true------- we are all connected and what we do for one another we do for ourselves and humanity at large.

I received the following last week and found it wonderful as well as inspiring. In no way do I mean it to be a commercial or an endorsement, just something to make our wheels turn.

As we always say around BBP----------

count your blessings and pass one on.

In that way we all make a difference!

It all started with a piece of trash...

Matthew Emerzian, a successful music industry executive in Los Angeles, was walking back to his office with a co-worker one afternoon in 2004 when he stopped to pick up a plastic fountain drink cover from the sidewalk and put it in a nearby garbage bin.

“My co-worker quickly asked me what I was doing,” Emerzian recalled. “I explained what I thought to be the obvious, but apparently I was wrong.” To the co-worker, litter simple belonged to the litterer, not to the population as a whole.

“I explained to him that litter and pollution are everyone's problem not just the person who couldn't find the trash can for their cup lid. He profoundly responded with 'Dude, you're weird.'”

Emerzian, now 38, walked back to his office both angry and sad.

“I couldn't believe that someone could remove themselves so far from the greater good of our world.”

Matt began to think, 'what if everyone in the country picked up one piece of litter on the same day.' Or 10 pieces! The math was easy, yet so powerful. He then began to think of a few other easy things that 300 million Americans could do to make a difference.

From this, a great idea was born. He called his friend, Kelly Bozza, and told her that he wanted to write a book about how all of us can make a difference with our lives. Within a week, they had over 100 items on their list and were ready to start writing.

Their book, titled Every Monday Matters...52 Ways to Make a Difference, has sold 120,000 copies. It is both powerful and thought-provoking. The ideas are simple - small acts that collectively add up to an enormous impact for the greater good. It's 144 pages with lots of illustrations - chocked full of big ideas.

Dr. Martin Luther King said, “Everyone has the power of greatness; not for fame, but greatness. Because greatness is determined by service.”

Also, today, I am pleased to offer you a way to get started with making every Monday matter, in honor of National Make a Difference Day, Sunday, October 25. The tip for week 41 is to use a re-usable shopping bag.

Monday, October 20, 2008

The last weeks have flown by in a blur and a whir and a blender if the truth be told! Last weekend was wild as we shared Erin and Ross's wedding day and rolled right in to the wedding show held out at the Ameristar.

A brief note on both: photos from Erin and Ross will be forthcoming, let me just say that of the things that happened that day, their lovely cake was in a car accident (every bride's nightmare!) and while the occupants of the delivery vehicle were fine, the cake suffered a bit. More to come!

The wedding show was a huge success! It was the first time for St. Louis Best Bridal to be out in St. Charles at the Ameristar but both put on a really nice show. (On a side note, did you know that the Four Tops and the Chippendales will be at the casino soon? Talk about diverse entertainment!!) As always we had a wonderful time meeting brides, grooms and their families as they strolled the show. We're already booking appointments for consultations and look forward to being able to relax a little bit with them out of the madness that was the bridal show!

We did not stop to gamble after the show, or to eat there--------- very dutifully (and in exhaustion) we packed up and headed back to the studio to unload.

Saturday, October 18, 2008

Somehow it feels like a very long time that we've known Erin and Ross! Today is their wedding day, a much anticipated day. Erin is an event planner for Wash U so she's been working every detail inside and out and even the weather looks like it is going to cooperate.

It's hard to believe that so much time has gone by since the last blog post, definitely not my usual. The truth is that we're very, very, happily busy----- and other things have gotten in the way.

BBP will be sending out details for our Whisper Boudoir Marathon sessions very soon....... don't miss out! Stay tuned for that and loads planned for the next few weeks!

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Was the weather last weekend absolutely gorgeous? A titch warm by St. Louis in the middle of October standards, but it was lovely just the same! A downright perfect weekend for the wedding of Kelly and Jim, a couple who very much deserved every detail to be wonderful on their special day. Aren't they a great looking couple?

And the gracious Kelly was glowing from the second we arrived! Jim was fairly beaming himself, and why would they not---- their wedding day had finally arrived! We loved them both, they were not only a pleasure to work with but sincerely enjoyed each second of their once in a lifetime day and were such great people!

Doesn't it look as if Jim is talking to his broker? Of course on a Saturday that would not be the case (or would it)?

Yes, the weather was gorgeous and the fall leaves are beginning to show their fiery color--- check out that tree!

Their reception was so much fun and everyone had a totally fabulous time! In the photo above, darling Kelly is channeling Meatloaf. Nothing says incredibly wonderful reception like Meatloaf, yes? This bride and groom tore up the dance floor---- as a matter of fact Jim was the first one out on it! There was even "Thriller"............... woo hoo! We've been waiting!

Congratulations Kelly and Jim--- may your life be full of joy and blessings!

Saturday, October 11, 2008

It may be the fall season with leaves changing almost before our eyes, snow in the Rockies and high elevations, and the holidays are beginning to loom large but today, here in St. Louis anyway, the weather is summer-like. A sunny high of 83 lovely degrees means no jackets required.

For the wedding of Kelly and Jim today that will more than likely translate into a lot of tuxedo jackets removed! Their very special day promises to be a completely gorgeous day, ---a near perfect day for a wedding!

Being involved in a wedding every Saturday is quite good for your outlook on life. Think about it, on a regular basis joy is the order of the day. Life is painted in beautiful colors and the focus is on love, tradition, and family, painting the future is seen in shades of brilliance. The smile of a bride and groom can light up the souls of everyone around them and the sunshiny happiness has a lasting effect.

And on the great news for everyone note---- what a celebration it feels like when gas is under $3.00 a gallon! While gas at $2.97 is still steep, we're all smiling over gas that doesn't almost kill you to fill the tank! It seems as if the pundits are saying that the price at the pump will continue to fall, we will take the bright spots where we find them!

Unleaded Gasoline Average Prices

St. Louis

USA

Trend

TodayYesterdayOne Week AgoOne Month AgoOne Year Ago

3.1593.2033.4423.6512.752

3.2643.2643.4773.6662.761

Have an absolutely gorgeous weekend, enjoy the weather and remember to make someone's day. Count your blessings and pass one on!